Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures colour accuracy under lighting, with scores out of 100, where natural sunlight is the benchmark.
- A CRI of 80 is standard, but a CRI of 90 is ideal for retail, showcasing products in their true colours.
- High CRI lighting enhances the appeal of groceries, clothing, and cars, making them appear more vibrant and defined.
- To compete with online retailers, physical stores must create an exceptional customer experience through superior lighting.
- High-quality lighting transforms visual displays and offers a premium atmosphere for all visitors.
The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures how colours look under a luminaire compared to natural sunlight. We measure CRI out of 100. Natural sunlight represents the highest possible score. Luminaires with a higher CRI show colours more accurately.
Industry standards now accept a CRI of 80 as the norm. However, a CRI of 90 provides exceptional results. This level works best for retail environments. It effectively accentuates the true colours of products.
The Impact of Light Quality on Products
Low CRI lighting often comes from poor quality LED or fluorescent sources. This makes your products appear dull. Conversely, high-quality LED lighting showcases products at their best.
“High-quality lighting showcases products at their best and makes every item look more appealing to customers.”
Groceries, clothing, and cars look more appealing under high-quality colour rendering. The latest LED technology enhances every shade. Colours appear more vibrant and whites appear purer. Black items become more defined, which accentuates luxury products.
Creating a Superior Retail Experience
Physical stores must now compete directly with online retailers. Retailers must create an experience that online shopping cannot match.
Bringing out the best of specific colours creates a stunning visual display. Painting your walls with light offers a memorable experience for customers. High-quality lighting ensures every visitor enjoys a premium atmosphere.
For more information on the role that lighting plays in a retail or leisure environment, visit the Retail Sector Page, or contact our sales team.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures how colours appear under a luminaire when compared to natural sunlight. This measurement is based on a scale of 100, where natural sunlight represents the highest possible score.
A CRI of 80 is currently accepted as the industry norm. However, a CRI of 90 is considered to provide exceptional results and is recommended for retail environments to effectively accentuate the true colours of products.
Low CRI lighting, often from poor quality fluorescent or LED sources, can make products appear dull. Conversely, high-quality LED lighting showcases products at their best, making every item look more appealing to customers.
The latest LED technology enhances every shade, making colours appear more vibrant and whites look purer. It also provides better definition for black items, which helps to accentuate luxury products. This improved rendering is particularly effective for products like groceries, clothing, and cars.
As physical stores must compete with online retailers, they must create a premium atmosphere and a memorable experience that online shopping cannot match. High-quality lighting creates stunning visual displays by bringing out the best of specific colours and “painting” walls with light.
